Next Previous Contents

6. Modules

6.1 How do I get multiple Wharfs/Pagers on the screen?

It's pretty easy. You just have to have the Wharf exist under several different names, and then configure each of them using its name. For example, if you make a link to Wharf called MyWharf (type man ln if you don't know how to make links), you would use lines like these in your ~/GNUstep/Library/AfterStep/wharf file :

       *MyWharfAnimate
       *MyWharf "label" Icon.xpm Exec "something" something

Same for the Pager.

Note: Apparently, due to the way the Wharf configuration file parser works, links with names like Wharf2 (i.e. the same original name with characters appended to it) will not work: the parser will think you are referring to the original module and will get confused. You have to give each link a distinctive name.

6.2 How can I get ASclock to appear properly in Wharf?

First, you need AfterStep 0.98 beta 4 or later. These version have the MaxSwallow option. Then, add a command such as this to the wharf file or line (depending on whether you use .steprc):

         *Wharf asclock nil MaxSwallow "asclock" asclock -12 -shape &

You can omit the `-12' to be in 24 hour time.

6.3 How do I configure asclock to use fewer colors?

When installing, after executing configure, asclock configure should be lauched by default. Otherwise, go to the modules/asclock directory and do the following:

  1. Execute sh configure
  2. Several menus will appear, asking for the default language for dates (yes, you can change it!) and the number of colors used. There is one option to use 2-bit color, resulting in an asclock that uses only 4 colors, but still looks pretty good.
  3. Done. Now go and compile asclock as usual.

6.4 Why does my latest version of MaxSwallow do odd stuff?

The Wharf is currently undergoing some re-working, in order to allow the use of some newer programs for WindowMaker. As a result, different patches have turned up for the Wharf. In addition to MaxSwallow, there is to be a FullSwallow mode to allow apps to fill a space bigger than 48X48.

6.5 What's wrong with WharfAnimate?

There are really two questions here.

First, in 1.4.4, WharfAnimate was broken. This was fixed in 1.4.5.0. A few users, however (I'm one of them!), are still having problems with this. The problem now seems to appear only if the user has modified the default Wharf file; it is apparently uncommon.

Second, some people complain that Animate is too slow. This is defined at compile time. You should adjust the three animate lines in configure.h to a lower number; that will speed up the animation.

6.6 Can you add xyz to the Wharf?

You know, it would be really nice if the Wharf supported text titles/cascading menus/tabs on the side/plug-in modules/swallowing running applications in folders/scrollbars on folders/starting applications only if they're not already running. Why doesn't someone do it?

This is a holy war. You will be crucified at dawn. Unless you implement it yourself and post a patch.

No, seriously, there has been a lot of discussion about these topics.

Many people believED that AfterStep should be kept as close as possible to the original NEXTSTEP interface, while others thought it should be extended and be made as configurable as possible.

Now WindowMaker is following the original NEXTSTEP interface, while AfterStep is going its own way. Extensive configurability is one of these "own ways".

So please send a message to one of the relevant lists saying exactly what you'd like to be implemented; or, even better, do it yourself and send us a patch.

Three "features" wishes will be grated to each user (just joking).

6.7 Can I have swallowed apps under a folder?

You can have this only if you have version 1.4.5.55N2 or later.

6.8 Can I have a folder within a folder?

Apparently, not yet. Thadeu Penna (tjppenna@aol.com) has cleverly worked around this limitation by creating a folder which calls another Wharf:

 
My dirty solution was: one of the wharf's buttons is a call
to Pier (a secondary Wharf). In this way, I got one additional level. The
main disadvantage is for each button in the Pier, you have to write a small
script that calls the program and after to kill the Pier. The geometry was
quite easy to evaluate. I have used, for the first button of the Pier, the
same icon as in the Wharf, therefore it seems as a Folder with an additional
level. It is a little slower than Wharf itself.

6.9 What's wrong with the mouse buttons in the pager?

In 1.4.5.55, the left and middle mouse button bindings were reversed, because of a request from Red Hat. Several users have expressed dissatisfaction with this arrangement, however, so it will not be maintained.


Next Previous Contents